Humility is probably not what you would expect when listening to a retired 12-year NBA veteran, first round draft pick, All-Star Team member and Olympic Gold medalist discuss his basketball career. However, in spite of his many successes, Allan Houston attributes his drive to two things: culture and character.
When asked how he was able to handle the grueling practice and play schedule of nine seasons with the Knicks, he simply answered, “That’s just what we did. That’s what we do, right?” He alluded to the standards set by his teammates, saying that if one of his teammates worked hard, he would work hard also.
Things were different in his era, according to Houston. There was less information about the mental and physical toll two-a-days and playing through injuries take on a player. It was just assumed that players needed to build up their capacity to handle the rigors of being an elite player. The culture said to work harder, and his character said, “I will.”
Other changes in the NBA culture Houston discussed included the difference in attitude toward the All-Star Game. Houston said, “It was a tribute, it was an honor, it was a badge of honor, and you played that way.” Whereas, now, many suggest that the All-Star Game has become more of an exhibition than an opportunity to compete against the best of the best. Houston questioned the motivations of the All Star Game participants who seem to have different priorities, suggesting there is more emphasis on money, social media and saving face than on competition.
After 11 years as a player, Houston retired due to injury and was offered a position in the Knicks front office. When facing the decision to retire, Houston’s character once again showed. His priorities were to have flexibility with his time with his family, and to be healthy enough to be an involved father to his children. His faith sent him in the direction of the front office instead of working as a coach.
His organization’s trust in him, his approach and his perspective landed him in player development, where he could impart his character and wisdom onto the players to help them get better in all areas. Houston said, “How you do things is far more important than your skillset.”
Houston also feels that it’s important to help players consistently add value. He discussed the culture of the team and how to balance all of the egos, saying simply, “It’s about alignment.”
When asked about playing for New York in the aftermath of 9/11, Houston’s character shone through. He said, “You certainly felt like you were playing for something bigger.” But he also went on to say, “I always felt that way because of just my purpose and my faith.” He helped his city carry the burden of the losses that day.
Perhaps one thing Houston is most known for is the Allan Houston Rule, which allowed teams to release a player without paying luxury tax on their contract. After many years with the Knicks, Houston faced injuries that affected his ability to play, yet he was still under contract. Despite being able to release Houston and take advantage of the amnesty rule, the Knicks decided to keep him, for which Houston humbly expressed his gratitude. “A team trusted you and made a big investment,” Houston explained. “There’s nothing that you can do to control it.” He described the heavy weight he carried continuing to play through injury, saying, “I prided myself on being available and playing.” He said his faith carried him, and it also seems clear that so did his impeccable character when the team decided to honor the remainder of his contract.
Of course, you can’t talk about Allan Houston without also talking about the recently released documentary, We Beat the Dream Team, about the Select Team (a practice team for the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team”). In the first year the Olympics allowed professional athletes to compete in the games, Houston and other top college basketball players beat the Olympic Team in a 20-minute scrimmage. One might expect that win to give Houston an ego, but his response was one of humility, being blessed to be a part of history.
I question, however, whether, after beating the Dream Team of professional basketball players, Houston and the other amateur players wondered if they might have been a “Dream Team” themselves, if the Olympics had not allowed professionals to play that year. Houston’s response to his success on the Select Team was simply, “We’re ready, you know, when our time comes.”
Humility, character and culture. Allan Houston leads by example.
Allan Houston: Press Conference Recap
Humility is probably not what you would expect when listening to a retired 12-year NBA veteran, first round draft pick, All-Star Team member and Olympic Gold medalist discuss his basketball career. However, in spite of his many successes, Allan Houston attributes his drive to two things: culture and character.
When asked how he was able to handle the grueling practice and play schedule of nine seasons with the Knicks, he simply answered, “That’s just what we did. That’s what we do, right?” He alluded to the standards set by his teammates, saying that if one of his teammates worked hard, he would work hard also.
Things were different in his era, according to Houston. There was less information about the mental and physical toll two-a-days and playing through injuries take on a player. It was just assumed that players needed to build up their capacity to handle the rigors of being an elite player. The culture said to work harder, and his character said, “I will.”
Other changes in the NBA culture Houston discussed included the difference in attitude toward the All-Star Game. Houston said, “It was a tribute, it was an honor, it was a badge of honor, and you played that way.” Whereas, now, many suggest that the All-Star Game has become more of an exhibition than an opportunity to compete against the best of the best. Houston questioned the motivations of the All Star Game participants who seem to have different priorities, suggesting there is more emphasis on money, social media and saving face than on competition.
After 11 years as a player, Houston retired due to injury and was offered a position in the Knicks front office. When facing the decision to retire, Houston’s character once again showed. His priorities were to have flexibility with his time with his family, and to be healthy enough to be an involved father to his children. His faith sent him in the direction of the front office instead of working as a coach.
His organization’s trust in him, his approach and his perspective landed him in player development, where he could impart his character and wisdom onto the players to help them get better in all areas. Houston said, “How you do things is far more important than your skillset.”
Houston also feels that it’s important to help players consistently add value. He discussed the culture of the team and how to balance all of the egos, saying simply, “It’s about alignment.”
When asked about playing for New York in the aftermath of 9/11, Houston’s character shone through. He said, “You certainly felt like you were playing for something bigger.” But he also went on to say, “I always felt that way because of just my purpose and my faith.” He helped his city carry the burden of the losses that day.
Perhaps one thing Houston is most known for is the Allan Houston Rule, which allowed teams to release a player without paying luxury tax on their contract. After many years with the Knicks, Houston faced injuries that affected his ability to play, yet he was still under contract. Despite being able to release Houston and take advantage of the amnesty rule, the Knicks decided to keep him, for which Houston humbly expressed his gratitude. “A team trusted you and made a big investment,” Houston explained. “There’s nothing that you can do to control it.” He described the heavy weight he carried continuing to play through injury, saying, “I prided myself on being available and playing.” He said his faith carried him, and it also seems clear that so did his impeccable character when the team decided to honor the remainder of his contract.
Of course, you can’t talk about Allan Houston without also talking about the recently released documentary, We Beat the Dream Team, about the Select Team (a practice team for the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team”). In the first year the Olympics allowed professional athletes to compete in the games, Houston and other top college basketball players beat the Olympic Team in a 20-minute scrimmage. One might expect that win to give Houston an ego, but his response was one of humility, being blessed to be a part of history.
I question, however, whether, after beating the Dream Team of professional basketball players, Houston and the other amateur players wondered if they might have been a “Dream Team” themselves, if the Olympics had not allowed professionals to play that year. Houston’s response to his success on the Select Team was simply, “We’re ready, you know, when our time comes.”
Humility, character and culture. Allan Houston leads by example.
Jason Goldie